Daryl Mitchell’s gritty ton powers New Zealand to narrow win in 1st ODI against West Indies

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New Zealand edged out West Indies by a narrow seven-run margin in the first ODI at Hagley Oval, thanks largely to a steely, injury-hampered century from Daryl Mitchell. On a pitch offering variable pace and lateral movement throughout the day, Mitchell’s 119 stood tall above every other effort and ultimately shaped the outcome of a tense series opener.

Sent in to bat under cool and breezy conditions in Christchurch, New Zealand were rattled almost immediately. West Indies, opting for a seam-heavy attack, struck twice in the seventh over through Matthew Forde, who removed Rachin Ravindra cheaply before trapping Will Young first ball. At 24 for 2, the hosts were in early trouble.

Mitchell’s arrival shifted the tone. Using decisive footwork to disrupt the length of the seamers, he found a way to keep the scoreboard ticking despite the uneven bounce. His partnership with Devon Conway—who compiled a workmanlike 49—steadied the innings and lifted New Zealand to a position of recovery at 91 for 2.

But the momentum faded again as Roston Chase applied a chokehold through disciplined off-spin that drifted smartly with the wind. Chase’s returns may have shown only one wicket, but his spell created multiple chances and stifled New Zealand’s progress for long periods. Michael Bracewell, dropped twice, made a gritty 35 that proved vital in the final tally.

The turning point arrived in the 42nd over when Mitchell, set on 79, pulled up with a leg strain. Restricted in his running and forced to rely on clean striking, he still managed to shift gears dramatically. Picking the straight boundaries with raw power, he surged past his hundred—letting out a rare roar of emotion upon reaching the landmark.

Mitchell’s final tally of 119, laced with 12 fours and two sixes, propelled New Zealand to 269 for 7. It was a total that always seemed competitive on a surface misbehaving just enough to keep bowlers interested.

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West Indies’ chase never found early rhythm. Keacy Carty’s laboured 20 off 67 balls reflected the visitors’ difficulty in adapting to the seam movement and disciplined lines from Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes. The run rate stagnated, leaving them at just 59 after 19 overs.

The innings only came alive when Sherfane Rutherford launched a spirited counterattack, racing to 55 from 61 deliveries. His strokeplay revived the contest and set the stage for a late surge from Justin Greaves and an injured but courageous Romario Shepherd. The pair hammered boundaries in the closing overs, capitalising on New Zealand’s slipping fielding intensity.

Yet the mountain built by the slow start proved too steep. Needing 20 off the final over, West Indies fell short despite their late fireworks. Kyle Jamieson closed out the game with figures of 3 for 52, sealing New Zealand’s tight victory.

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